April 2003
Avalanches in the 2002-2003 Season
This year, the avalanche season (though not over) in Colorado has been slightly above average. As of April 21, six people have been killed (that's the average); 84 people have been reported caught; and almost 2400 avalanches have been registered. Through April 9, 27 people have died in avalanches in the United States.
Avalanches have been in the headline news-in British Columbia, especially. Twenty-six fatalities have been reported. The Canadian snow pack was much less stable than normal due to a winter rain event and less snowfall than usual.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) ceased daily operations for the season on April 21, 2003. The CAIC will post information summarizing the past winter on its website during May and early June. (www.geosurvey.state.co.us/avalanche)
Although the center is closed for the season, users should continue to think "avalanche." At this time, there is still plenty of snow that will last into June at some of the higher elevation sites. Remember that virtually all avalanches release on the slopes of 30 degrees and steeper. You can effectively avoid avalanche terrain by staying on slopes of less than 30 degrees.